Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Halibut Welfare

Welfare considerations in farmed Atlantic halibut aquaculture, including the challenges of the species' unique biology and slow growth.

Key Facts

Atlantic halibut are among the world's largest flatfish, reaching 200kg in the wild
Halibut farming is commercially marginal due to slow growth rates
Halibut require specific environmental conditions including low water temperature
Cannibalism in juvenile halibut is a welfare and productivity problem
Halibut welfare research is limited compared to salmon and trout

Welfare Considerations

Farmed halibut welfare presents unique challenges given the species' large size, slow growth, and specific environmental requirements. Juvenile cannibalism causes direct welfare harm and requires management interventions. As halibut farming develops, species-specific welfare guidelines based on research into their physiological and behavioural needs are essential foundations for good practice.

What You Can Do

Choose halibut from certified sustainable and welfare-audited sources
Support research into halibut welfare needs and husbandry improvements
Ask retailers about welfare standards in their halibut sourcing